Podcast
Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley
Hosted by Joe Kelley | Musicians Reveal Podcast · EN
Since 1982, Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has spotlighted iconic and rising artists in funk, soul, R&B, and Prince’s musical family.
From its roots on NPR affiliate WVOF 88.5 FM to its thriving YouTube channel (17.2k subscribers, 8.1 Million views), the show delivers soulful, in-depth interviews with legends and unsung pioneers alike.
🎤 Hosted by Veteran music host and interviewer Joe Kelley, the show has featured:
Rock & Roll Hall of Famers & Grammy winners
Larry Graham, Mavis Staples, Patrice Rushen, Victor Wooten, Cyndi Lauper
Members of Prince’s Revolution, New Power Generation, The Time, and more
Icons from Zapp, Cameo, P-Funk, and beyond
🎶 In 2004, Prince featured Musicians Reveal on his NPG Music Club and invited Joe to premiere his One Nite Alone… box set in 2002—before any other media outlet.
New interviews weekly.
🎧 Listen and Watch now and explore music history with the artists who shaped it.
🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley:
YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal
🎶 NEW! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a25049
Website (Episodes, Guest Info, and Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8J
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Meia & Morris Hayes: The Stories Behind the “Foreigner” EP
6d ago01:05:11Tap to summarizeMeia and acclaimed keyboardist, producer and longtime Prince & The NPG musical director Morris Hayes join Joe Kelley for a special edition of Musicians Reveal celebrating Meia’s Foreigner EP.Meia and Morris take listeners behind the making of the project, sharing the stories, creative decisions and recording process that shaped the EP. Meia discusses the inspiration and personal meaning behind “Wild Ride,” “Foreigner” and “Sweet Devotion,” while Morris offers his perspective on producing the sessions and bringing the songs to life.The conversation also takes some fascinating turns into Morris’ years working with Prince, including lessons learned in the studio, Prince’s legendary rehearsal and recording work ethic, and stories from Morris’ career traveling and making music around the world.Meia and Morris also reflect on their musical partnership, the late producer David Z, the Minneapolis music community and what could be ahead for their collaboration.This podcast edition features the conversation and stories from the original Foreigner EP listening party. Music from the EP has been removed from the podcast version.Hosted by Joe Kelley.
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Andre Cymone on The Resurrection of Funk, Prince, Grand Central & the Minneapolis Sound
2w ago01:14:57Tap to summarizeAndre Cymone returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about his upcoming album Resurrection of Funk, the inspiration behind bringing funk back to center stage, and the stories behind his newest music.Andre reflects on growing up in Minneapolis, the legendary Grand Central days with Prince, Battle of the Bands memories, songwriting, producing, and why he believes funk deserves a new generation of appreciation. He also discusses mentoring younger musicians, producing Jody Watley, working with The Girls, memories of Pepe Willie and Jellybean Johnson, and his plans to take Resurrection of Funk on the road.If you're a fan of Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, classic funk, bass playing, songwriting, and music history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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Taja Sevelle on Prince, Paisley Park & Nile Rodgers
4w ago01:01:25Tap to summarizeLong before Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, Taja Sevelle joined me in the studios of Upper Room with Joe Kelley on WVOF 88.5 FM for this in-depth conversation from 2002.Taja reflects on her years with Prince and Paisley Park, recording her debut album, collaborating with Nile Rodgers, becoming an independent artist, songwriting, creativity, and where her career was headed at the time.More than two decades later, this conversation offers a fascinating snapshot of an artist who forged her own path after one of the most recognizable chapters of her career.If you enjoy conversations about Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, and the artists who helped shape that musical era, you'll enjoy this rare archival interview.Topics include:Prince and the Paisley Park yearsRecording her debut albumWorking with Nile RodgersIndependent music and creativitySongwritingLife after Paisley ParkFuture projects
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Steve Parke: The Prince Photo That Inspired "Welcome 2 the Dawn" | Part 2
Jul 1700:25:30Tap to summarize🎥 Watch the complete video interview on the Musicians Reveal YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@MusiciansRevealOne photograph. One Prince song. One unforgettable story.In Part 2 of our conversation, Steve Parke shares the unforgettable story behind the photograph that inspired "Welcome 2 the Dawn," offering a rare glimpse into Prince's creative process and the unique relationship they shared during Steve's years as Prince's art director and personal photographer.Steve also discusses additional behind-the-scenes memories from Paisley Park, Prince's creative instincts, photography, and the collaborative environment that produced some of Prince's most memorable visual work.If you enjoyed Part 1, this episode continues the journey with even more stories that only someone from Prince's inner creative circle could tell.About Steve ParkeSteve Parke worked alongside Prince for 13 years as his in-house art director, illustrator, designer, and photographer. During that time he contributed to album artwork, photography, stage design, promotional materials, and countless creative projects while documenting Prince both on and off stage. He is also the author of the acclaimed photography collection featuring hundreds of images from his years working with Prince. Subscribe to Musicians Reveal with Joe KelleyDiscover exclusive interviews with Prince associates, legendary musicians, producers, songwriters, and industry insiders sharing the stories behind the music.
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Steve Parke Reveals Untold Stories from 13 Years Working with Prince | Part 1
Jul 1100:43:09Tap to summarizeSteve Parke spent more than 13 years working alongside Prince as his art director, photographer, designer, and creative collaborator. In this exclusive episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, Steve shares remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from Paisley Park that only someone inside Prince's inner circle could tell.Steve discusses how he first met Prince through Levi Seacer Jr., designing the Graffiti Bridge album cover, creating tour books and stage designs, becoming one of Prince's photographers despite having no digital photography experience, and what it was like collaborating with one of music's greatest creative minds.You'll also hear stories about:Working with Prince for more than 13 yearsThe creation of the Graffiti Bridge artworkRare Paisley Park memoriesPrince's creative process and perfectionismDesigning iconic tour books and stage productionsPhotographing Prince behind the scenesThe truth behind popular Prince fan mythsPersonal memories that continue a decade after Prince's passingIf you're a Prince fan or love hearing firsthand stories from the musicians and creatives who helped shape music history, this conversation is for you.Subscribe to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for exclusive interviews with legendary musicians, producers, engineers, photographers, and the people behind some of the greatest music ever created.
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Marva King: Inside Prince's Lotusflow3r Era (2009 Archive)
Jul 700:26:11Tap to summarizeOriginally recorded in 2009, Marva King discusses recording and performing with Prince during the lead-up to Lotusflow3r. She shares stories about Prince's perfectionism, rehearsals, Liv Warfield joining the band, previewing Prince's groundbreaking website, touring with Stevie Wonder, producing her own music, and the release of her album Grown and Sexy.A fascinating snapshot of Prince's world just before one of his most ambitious releases.
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Sam Jennings: Inside Prince's Digital Revolution, NPG Music Club & Designing Musicology
Jul 600:46:28Tap to summarizeFew people witnessed Prince's digital vision as closely as Sam Jennings.Working with Prince from 1998 through 2007, Sam helped design the official websites, the groundbreaking NPG Music Club, album artwork, tour books, and many of the online experiences that connected Prince directly with fans years before streaming became the norm.Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley talks with Sam about:• Working alongside Prince every day• The creation of the NPG Music Club• Designing Musicology, 3121, and other projects• Prince's vision for the internet and artist independence• Creative challenges behind Paisley Park projects• Stories that reveal how Prince approached design, technology, and innovationThis interview offers a fascinating look at one of the most innovative periods of Prince's career from someone who helped build it.
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Jesse Johnson (2009 Radio Archive) | Prince, The Time & His Legendary Career
Jun 2900:46:06Tap to summarizeFrom the Musicians Reveal Radio Archives comes a rediscovered conversation with legendary guitarist Jesse Johnson, originally recorded in 2009.After years of searching, this interview was finally recovered while digitizing decades of cassette archives.Jesse reflects on his remarkable career, his groundbreaking work with The Time, his solo success, and his experiences surrounding Prince and the Minneapolis music scene.Musicians Reveal Radio Archives features restored interviews originally recorded over four decades, preserving the stories of Prince associates, funk legends, and R&B artists.Originally recorded in 2009.Restored and presented by Joe Kelley.
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Jazzhole: 32 Years of Music, Stevie Wonder & Moonlight Mile
Jun 2900:42:20Tap to summarizeJazzhole founders Marlon Saunders and Warren Rosenstein join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss their latest album Moonlight Mile, recording at the legendary Muscle Shoals studio, touring with Stevie Wonder, Randy Brecker, New York's vibrant music scene and the band's remarkable 32-year journey together.
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Sekend: From Berklee to Kanye West, Elton John & Stevie Wonder
Jun 2700:38:09Tap to summarizeSinger, songwriter and producer Sekend joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his musical journey from Dallas to Berklee College of Music and ultimately to recording with Kanye West, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Kirk Franklin. He shares stories about Sunday Service, studio sessions, Motown, performing the National Anthem, and building his own career as an artist
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